THE WATERWORKS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2054, 4 December 1907, Page 2

THE WATERWORKS.

BOROUGH COUNCIL DISCUSSION. The waterworks came in. for a good deal of discussion at the meeting of the Borough Council last night. DISPUTE REGARDING j PENALTY. Air. B. (Houston wrote stating that ,-the reticulation contract had been completed to his entire satisfaction. He recommended that the gross amount of the contract be paid, as any delay did not- inconvenience the Borough. Cr. Sheridan said it was understood in town that the river crossings were not carried out according to contract. It was stated that they were leaking, and that- at the first fresh in the river the pipes would be washed away, ilf the Engineer had inspected the work it should be known whether the reports were true cr not. The Mayor raid that it was his own suggestion to stay the pipes with crooked railway irons. These irons bad not been put down yet, as they could not touch the work until the contractor handed over the contract. So far as he knew there were no leaks at the river crossings. Cr. Bright suggested that the penalty of £398 imposed on the contractor should not be remitted, but should be held in hand for three months in view of any possible mishap. Or. Sheridan agreed with Or. Bright-. It had also to be remembered that if the Council delayed contractors' they would not- fail ‘ to claim penalties. ' The Mayor asked if tho contractors were to be asked to maintain the service for another three months before they could get tlie money. Cr. Williams thought the remission should be made ait- once or not at all. Cr. Bright said that during the month’s maintenance the pressure had been intermittent- and irregular. The service bad not been properly tested. Cr. I’ettie suggested tliat it bo resolved to- bold over the question of remission o-f penalties for three months, instead of doing it- as previously suggested. The Mayor said tli e matter should he carefully- considered, as it .struck him that the Council was going outside tlie contract. To him it seemed that the Engineer laid it down that the Council could not claim for the penalty. (Mr. May’s, who was present, said at might be better to have a legal opinion on tlie matter. The details of river crossings and house services were delivered very’ late. Tho Council had broken the contract with his firm several times. This had occurred very often to lii.ni, and he knew that tho money proposed to be held as penalty was as good as in liis pocket. The river crossings were tested a-t over 3001 b. The jironosition to hold over the matter of penalties for three months was carried, there being two noes—the Mayor and Cr. Williams. MAIN PIPE DINE. It was decided not to accede to a request from the Spiral Pino Co that a payment of 90 per cent, be made in place of 75 per cent, oil the . contract, SERVING OUTLYING STREETS. Airs. E. H. Williams. Pa raustreet, Ivaiti, wrote asking when the water would be laid down the street. There were sight houses in the street, and they were getting -short of water. 'I he Clerk said the street was one that would have to be done earlv. Cr. Sawyer said that about 40 people in Crawford-road were calling out for water. _ Cr. Williams said it might be possible to take the main through Pi r-all -s treot to Cra wf ord-ro-ad. The Clerk works could only be done out of revenue before Ma-rcli next. The Mayor moved that tho turncock be asked to give an estimate of -tins work. Cr. Bright thought that a replyshould be sent that the whole matter of extension of water . mains would be considered when the next estimates were framed. This was carried. |